Solar panels systems and methods

ABSTRACT

According to various embodiments of the invention, systems and methods for attaching a solar panel to a roof are provided. A solar panel generally comprises a solar cell and a frame enclosing the solar cell. The frame may be configured to interface with a conventional roof shingle in an overlapping fashion. In some embodiments, the frame includes an integrated rain-rail configured to provide a conduit for rainwater and mate with a rain-rail on another solar panel providing a mechanical interconnection between the panels. The solar cell may also include a tack-down strip configured to connect the solar panel to a roof. This tack-down strip may be configured to overlap a shingle on a roof.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to systems and methods for solar powergeneration, and more particularly, to systems and methods for solarpanels capable of rooftop installation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Increasing oil prices and environmental concerns have recentlyhighlighted the desire to decrease the dependence on fossil fuels. Thisdesire has stimulated research into clean and renewable ways to produceelectricity for the global marketplace. Solar power is a viable optionbecause it is a clean form of energy with a virtually unlimited supply.Technological innovations and improvements are generally reducing thecosts associated with installing, operating, and maintaining solar powerequipment. Furthermore, conversion efficiencies have dramaticallyincreased over the years, thereby reducing the size of the equipmentnecessary to harvest energy produced by the sun.

In some cases, solar energy systems may be used to avoid the use of oilor other fossil fuels. For example, some solar energy systems may usesolar or photovoltaic cells. A solar or photovoltaic (“PV”) cell is adevice that converts energy from the sun or other light source intoelectrical energy. The use of PV cells as an alternative to othersources of energy has generally increased as power costs have increased.For example, some owners of commercial and residential buildings haveused certain systems to install PV cells on the top of such buildings toreduce the building's overall dependence on energy provided by utilitycompanies.

Systems for mounting PV cells generally, however, are difficult toinstall and fragile once they are installed. Installation often requiresroof racks that may result in roof penetrations and wind loads.Additionally, to generate a significant amount of power, the systemgenerally must include a large number of panels with PV cells, which cancreate wiring issues with respect to connections to the existing utilitysystems. Systems for mounting PV cells also tend to lack curb appeal andmay change the aesthetics of a structure, e.g., a residential structure.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

According to various embodiments of the invention, systems and methodsfor attaching a solar panel to a roof are provided. A solar panelgenerally comprises a solar laminate and a frame supporting the solarlaminate. The frame may be configured to interface with a conventionalshingle in an overlapping fashion. In some embodiments, the frameincludes an integrated rain-rail configured to provide a conduit forrainwater and may or may not mate with a rain-rail or other detail onanother solar panel providing a mechanical interconnection between thepanels. The solar cell may also include a tack-down strip configured toconnect the solar panel to a roof. This tack-down strip may beconfigured to overlap a shingle on a roof.

In some embodiments, the solar panel might include a jumper configuredto reverse polarity. The jumper can be used to string a plurality ofsolar panels together. The solar panels may be connected in series, inparallel, or a combination thereof. This can allow for differentcurrent, voltages, or both.

Various examples may use solar panels that include multiple solar cells.These solar cells may be in a lamination. For example, a solar cell thatefficiently converts one frequency range of light to electrical energymight be laminated to a solar panel that efficiently converts anotherfrequency range of light to electrical energy. In this way, thelaminated solar cells might convert light in both frequency ranges toelectrical energy.

In some embodiments, solar cells may be in a sealed assembly. The sealedassembly may provide the solar cell with some protection from weather,sunlight, dust, etc. This might increase the time that the solar cellfunctions, thereby increasing the life of the solar panel. A solar panelthat lasts longer is less expensive to operate over the course of itslife.

Various embodiments include a plurality of the solar cells. These solarcells may be in a series configuration, a parallel configuration, orcombinations thereof. A parallel configuration may provide additionalcurrent, while a series configuration may provide higher voltage. Acombination of these may be used to generate a desired amount of currentat a desired voltage. In this way, a system may be designed to meet theneeds of, for example, a homeowner that has the solar cells installed ona roof of the home.

Some embodiments include wind clips that are configured to help securethe solar panel to, for example, a roof. The wind clips may provideadditional securing force to help ensure that the solar panel remainsinstalled by clipping under an adjacent solar panel or roofing shingle.Tying multiple solar panels together by installing various panels overthe top of wind clips on various other panels may help prevent, e.g.,wind damage to the panels. The wind clip may help secure the solar panelagainst gusts of wind.

Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent fromthe following detailed description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the featuresin accordance with embodiments of the invention. The summary is notintended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined solely bythe claims attached hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a roof including an example solar panelin accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram that illustrates an example laminate of solarlaminate that may be used in conjunction with the systems and methodsdescribed herein.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example solar panel in accordancewith the systems and methods described herein.

FIG. 4 is another diagram illustrating solar panel and the rain rail.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example jumper.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating two example solar panels.

The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the inventionto the precise form disclosed. It should be understood that theinvention can be practiced with modification and alteration, and thatthe invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In the following paragraphs, the present invention will be described indetail by way of example with reference to the attached drawings.Throughout this description, the preferred embodiment and examples shownshould be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations on thepresent invention. As used herein, the “present invention” refers to anyone of the embodiments of the invention described herein, and anyequivalents. Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the“present invention” throughout this document does not mean that allclaimed embodiments or methods must include the referenced feature(s).

Referring now to the Figures, which are illustrative of multipleembodiments of the system of the present invention only and are not forpurposes of limiting the same, FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a roofincluding an example set of solar panels in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. Referring now to FIG. 1, a roof, 100 isillustrated. The roof includes a number of shingles 102. The shingles102 may be, for example, asphalt shingles, however, it will beunderstood that many other types of roof shingles may be used.Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the roof 100 may also include asolar panel 104.

The solar panel 104 may convert solar energy into electrical energy.This electricity may then be used by the homeowner to power the home,provide electrical energy back to the power grid to decrease electricalenergy bills, or any other electrical use. In some example systems,solar panels may provide direct current electrical power. It will beunderstood that, in some embodiments, a system may convert this currentto an alternating current electrical power source.

In another embodiment, a solar panel may collect solar energy to provideheat. The heat might increase the temperature of water or other liquidso that the heat might be carried into the home. The heat might then beused heat the home. In some examples, the water might be used forshowering, laundry, etc. In some cases, the water might be in a sealedsystem that heats water in the home using a heat exchanger. The waterheated using the heat exchanger might then be used for various purposes,such as showering, laundry, etc.

The example embodiment of FIG. 1 illustrates a solar power system thatintegrates the solar panels with roofing tiles. It will be understood,however, that in some embodiments, a roof might be entirely or almostentirely made using solar panels in accordance with the systems andmethods described herein. Additionally, while the example illustratessolar panels that are incorporated into the roof 100, in someembodiments, the solar panels might form a new roof over an existing,e.g., shingle roof.

In some embodiments, a solar panel may be a thin profile, such that itmight be incorporated into a shingle roof. For example, the solar panelmight be installed similarly to roofing shingles, as illustrated inFIG. 1. These “solar shingles” may be connected to each other using auniversal connector or jumper that can reverse polarity. The universalconnector may facilitate stringing the panels together. By allowingpolarity of the connection to be changed based on the orientation of aconnector or jumper, the shingles may be installed and connected invarious ways and configurations. For example, the shingles may beconnected in parallel, in serial, or some combination of parallel andserial.

The solar panel 104 may comprise a solar cell or multiple solar cells.The solar cell or cells may be formed in a laminate. A laminate is acombination of one or more solar cells laminated with another material,e.g., a solar glass that efficiently collects more light to be convertedto electrical energy by the solar cell. In this way, the laminated solarcells might be used to convert light in a broad range of frequencyranges to electrical energy.

FIG. 2 is a diagram that illustrates an example laminate solar cell 200that may be used in conjunction with the systems and methods describedherein. Referring now to FIG. 2, a laminate solar cell 200 may convertlight energy from the sun to electricity. The example laminate solarcell 200 includes 16 solar cells laminated to a glass panel 202. Theexample 16 solar cells form a cell array 204. The solar cells in thecell array 204 are wired together using a bus array 206 and bonded withother cells to form the laminate solar laminate 200.

Some embodiments feature a sealed solar cell assembly to keep outmoisture, dust, debris and prevent tampering, etc. For example, laminatecell 200 may be protected by the glass panel 202 and sealed in aprotective container, including a back sheet 208. The glass panel 202allows light to reach the solar cell 200, while generally protecting thesolar cell from insects, animals, and contaminants such as rain, dust,smoke, etc. While 16 solar cells are illustrated in the example cellarray 204 of FIG. 2, it will be understood that other embodiments mayinclude a different number of solar cells. Additionally, these cells maybe wired together in series, in parallel, or some combination thereof.

In various embodiments, the solar cell assembly 200, e.g., a solar panelmay have a thin profile such that it may be installed similarly toshingles, as discussed above. The solar cell assembly 200 may lie flator nearly flat on a roof. Generally, it will lie at a slight angle toallow one cell assembly 200 to overlap with another cell assembly 200 ora roofing shingle. The cell assemblies 200 may lay directly on aprepared roof deck, rolled or torched down underlayment on plywood theplywood placed, e.g., on the framing of the roof or, in otherembodiments, the solar panel laminates 200 may form a new roof placedover a pre-existing roof. The new roof may be placed directly on theexisting roof or above the existing roof. In some cases, the laminatesmay be integrated into an existing shingle roof by removing some of theshingles on the roof and replacing them with solar panels 200.

Similar to the installation of shingles, the solar panel 200 might beattached to a roof using, for example, nails, screws, adhesive foam,etc. In this way, the solar panels 200 may be an integral part of ashingle roof. Additionally, the panels 200 might be installed by roofershaving experience installing shingles and capable of applying thatexperience to installing the solar panels. For example, in some cases,the roofers might install the shingles without the assistance of alicensed electrician or solar integrator.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example solar panel 300 inaccordance with the systems and methods described herein. Referring nowto FIG. 3, the solar panel 300 includes a photovoltaic glass laminate302. The laminate may be the same or similar to the solar laminate 200of FIG. 2. This laminate 302 may convert solar energy to electricalenergy. The energy may be used by the homeowner, as described above.

The solar panel 300 includes a frame 304, which provides support for thephotovoltaic glass laminate 302. The photovoltaic glass laminate 302 maybe made of tempered glass. This glass can be laminated to a crystallinesolar cell. The tempered glass provides protection and structuralsupport to the crystalline solar cell. The crystalline solar cellconverts solar energy into electrical energy. In some example systems, amono-crystalline solar cell may be used. In some example systems, anamorphous solar cell may be used. In some example systems, a nano devicesolar cell may be used. In other embodiments, a polycrystalline solarcell may be used. Additionally, mono and poly crystalline cells orothers might be used together, e.g., in separate solar panels on asingle roof, within a single solar panel, etc.

In some examples, the frame 304 may be injection molded plastic.Adhesives may be used to connect various components, such as injectionmolded plastic components. For example, the plastic frame might beconnected together using glue, epoxy resin, or other adhesive.Additionally, the frame 304 may include a wind clip 306. The wind clip306 can help secure the solar panel 300 to a roof. For example the windclip 306 may be secured under a frame of a second solar panel, e.g., atwind clip position 308 on the second panel. Accordingly, the secondpanel generally holds the first panel onto the roof such that if thefirst panel begins to lift, the wind clip 306 pushes against the secondpanel.

The frame 304 may include a water-shedding channel such as a rain-rail.The rain-rail is configured to provide a conduit for rainwater and matewith a rain-rail on another solar panel to provide a mechanicalinterconnection between the panels.

In the illustrated example, the fame provides a busway 310 that includesan electrical connection system. The example fame 304 includes busways,such as busway 310, which may be used to run electrical wiring for thesolar panel 300. The busway 310 may also provide wiring using, e.g., aPC or circuit board. For example, the busway might contain a circuitboard with traces in the board that are used to carry electricalsignals. In some embodiments, this wiring might also be included in thelaminate panel. Accordingly, the wiring is generally part of the solarpanel. This or other wiring may connect to a jumper 312 that providesfor a connection between panels 300. The jumper 312 may be a universalconnector that can reverse polarity for easy stringing, e.g., connectingmultiple panels together. In some embodiments, the jumper is thin enoughto allow the solar panel 300 to be manufactured thin enough to beintegrated into a roof that is shingled with conventional shingles.

Various embodiments that integrate with conventional shingles may bemanufactured to be about the same thickness as conventional shingles,for example, conventional asphalt shingles. In other embodiments,however, the solar panels 300 might be thicker or thinner than aconventional shingle. For example, a solar panel 300 that is thinnerthan a conventional shingle might then be covered by additional temperedglass, or some other clear material to provide further protection. Inanother example, a solar panel 300 might be thicker than a conventionalshingle. A solar panel 300 that is thicker than a conventional shinglemight block the follow of water down the slope of a roof on which it isinstalled. Such a solar panel 300, may include a rain rail or otherfeatures to divert water around the solar panel 300. In otherembodiments, the solar panels 300 might be installed higher along theroof, e.g., two solar panels 300 might form the ridgeline of the roof.In this way, water might run down the solar panels 300 and onto anyconventional shingles lower along the roof. Conventional shingles maycome in many shapes and sizes. Generally, they may be square orrectangular and may be from ⅛″ to ⅜″ thick.

Additionally, a tack-down strip, such as nailing tabs 314 can connectthe solar panel to a roof. These tack-down strips may be used with,e.g., nails, screws, adhesive foam, or other methods of attachment.Additionally, the tack-down strip is configured to overlap a shingle ona roof. In some embodiments, multiple nailing tabs 314 may be used.

In some embodiments, a solar panel 300 may use integratedinterconnections and bussing between panels 300. In this way, the panelsmay be produced such that they can be installed similarly to roofingshingles. In some embodiments, the installation may be accomplishedwithout running a large amount of separate wiring. By decreasing thewiring required, the systems and methods described herein might be morelikely to be used by roofers to install such a solar panel roofingsystem as opposed to electricians or solar integrators. For example, thesystems and methods described herein might integrate with three tabasphalt shingles.

FIG. 4 is another diagram illustrating the solar panel 300 in accordancewith the systems and methods described herein. Referring now to FIG. 4,the illustrated example solar panel 300 includes leads 400. These leads400 provide electrical connection between the solar photovoltaic glasslaminate 302 and the wiring or other electrical connection that runsthrough busway 310. In various embodiments, the leads 400 are coupled tojumper 312. For example, wires may connect to the leads 400. This mightbe done directly, e.g., by soldering, or by some form of connector. Inanother embodiment, the leads 400 might connect to board traces or othertypes of electrical connector.

FIG. 4 also includes ribs 402 that, in some embodiments, provide supportfor the photovoltaic glass laminate 302. This may allow the solar panel300 to support additional weight. For example, some solar panels 300might support a person walking onto them when, e.g., they are installedon a roof of a building.

The tempered glass, ribs 402 and frame of the solar panel 300 may allowfor use in high wind areas, areas where extreme weather conditions arecommon and other areas where a thin film solar installation might bemore likely to be damaged. In some cases, the solar panel 300 mightbetter survive these types of conditions.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example jumper 502 in accordancewith the systems and methods described herein. Referring now to FIG. 5,the jumper 502 may be a universal connector or universal plug that isused to connect one solar panel to another. The polarity of the jumper502 may be user configurable. For example, the polarity might be changedsimply by flipping the plug over, e.g., changing the orientation of thejumper 502.

The jumper 502 plugs into a pair of frames 504 and 506. The frames 504and 506 include busways such that connections and bussing may beintegrated into the panel itself. For example, in some embodiments,wires may run through a busway in frame 504 and provide an electricalcontact to jumper 502. This jumper may provide electrical contact towires in a busway in frame 506. In this way, solar cells 508 and 510 maybe connected together. These connections may connect multiple solarcells in parallel, in series, or some combination thereof. In someembodiments, the jumper plug 502 may provide an electrical connection ina small form factor, such as, for example, a smaller height so that athinner solar cell may be made.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating two example solar panels 600 and 602.Referring now to FIG. 6, the solar panel 602 includes a rain rail 604.(The solar panel 600 may also include a rain rail, but it is notillustrated in the figure.) In some embodiments, the rain rail 604 maybe made of the same materials as the rest of the frame of the solarpanel 602. For example, in some embodiments, plastic may be used. Therain rail 604 will generally collect water that runs along the glasspanel 608 of solar panel 600 and over the edge between the glass panel608 and the glass panel of solar panel 602. The glass panel of solarpanel 602 is not shown to allow the rain rail 604 and electricalconnection area 606 to be illustrated. The rain rails 604 may beconfigured to connect to rain rails on other solar panels, e.g., so thatwater collected by one rain rail can runs from one panels to anotheruntil it runs off of the roof.

Electrical connection area 606 is configured to receive a connector orjumper. The connector may be the same or similar to the connector orjumper 312 of FIGS. 3 and 4 and the connector or jumper 502 of FIG. 5.In some embodiments, a connector is designed to connect the solar panels600 and 602 in series or parallel depending on the orientation of theconnector, e.g., one orientation makes a series connection, whileanother orientation makes a parallel connection. A parallel connectionmay be made, e.g., when a positive terminal on the solar panel 600 isconnected to a positive terminal on the solar panel 602 and a negativeterminal on solar panel 600 is connected to a negative terminal on asolar panel 602. Installing the connector in a first orientation makesat least some of these connections. It will be understood by those ofskill in the art that additional solar panels may be added in parallel.

A series connection may be made, e.g., when a negative terminal on thesolar panel 600 is connected to ground, the positive terminal on thesolar panel 600 is connected to a negative terminal on the solar panel602, and the positive terminal on solar panel 602 is connected to power.Installing the connector in a second orientation makes at least some ofthese connections. It will be understood that additional solar panelsmay be added in series and that a combination of series and parallelsolar panels may also be possible in some embodiments.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been describedabove, it should be understood that they have been presented by way ofexample only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams maydepict an example architectural or other configuration for theinvention, which is done to aid in understanding the features andfunctionality that can be included in the invention. The invention isnot restricted to the illustrated example architectures orconfigurations, but the desired features can be implemented using avariety of alternative architectures and configurations. Indeed, it willbe apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional,logical, or physical partitioning and configurations can be implementedto implement the desired features of the present invention. In addition,a multitude of different constituent module names other than thosedepicted herein can be applied to the various partitions. Additionally,with regard to flow diagrams, operational descriptions and methodclaims, the order in which the steps are presented herein shall notmandate that various embodiments be implemented to perform the recitedfunctionality in the same order unless the context dictates otherwise.

Although the invention is described above in terms of various exemplaryembodiments and implementations, it should be understood that thevarious features, aspects and functionality described in one or more ofthe individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to theparticular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can beapplied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the otherembodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments aredescribed and whether or not such features are presented as being a partof a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the presentinvention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplaryembodiments.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unlessotherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposedto limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” shouldbe read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term“example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item indiscussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or“an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or thelike; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,”“standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construedas limiting the item described to a given time period or to an itemavailable as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompassconventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may beavailable or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, wherethis document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known toone of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass thoseapparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in thefuture.

The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “atleast,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instancesshall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or requiredin instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of theterm “module” does not imply that the components or functionalitydescribed or claimed as part of the module are all configured in acommon package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of amodule, whether control logic or other components, can be combined in asingle package or separately maintained and can further be distributedin multiple groupings or packages or across multiple locations.

Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described interms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations.As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art afterreading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their variousalternatives can be implemented without confinement to the illustratedexamples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying descriptionshould not be construed as mandating a particular architecture orconfiguration.

1. A low profile solar panel comprising: a solar laminate; and a framesupporting the solar laminate, the frame configured to interface with aconventional shingle in an overlapping fashion.
 2. The solar panel ofclaim 1, wherein the solar panels are less than 0.65″ thick.
 3. Thesolar panel of claim 1, wherein the frame further includes: anintegrated rain-rail configured to provide a conduit for rainwater andmate with a rain-rail on another solar panel providing a mechanicalinterconnection between the panels; and a tack-down strip configured toconnect the solar panel to a roof, wherein the tack-down strip isconfigured to overlap a shingle on a roof.
 4. The solar panel of claim1, wherein the frame is configured to be attached to a roof using nails,screws, or foam.
 5. The solar panel of claim 1, further comprising ajumper configured to couple the solar panel to another solar panel andwherein the jumper is configured to selectively attach the solar panelsto each other in one of two configurations comprising a seriesconfiguration and a parallel configuration.
 6. The solar panel of claim1, further comprising multiple overlapping solar panels.
 7. The solarpanel of claim 6, wherein the solar cells are configured in alamination.
 8. The solar panel of claim 6, wherein the solar cells areprovided in a sealed assembly.
 9. The solar panel of claim 6, wherein aplurality of the solar cells are in a series configuration using aconfigurable connector.
 10. The solar panel of claim 6, wherein aplurality of the solar cells are in a parallel configuration using aconfigurable connector.
 11. The solar panel of claim 1, furthercomprising a wind clip configured to slide under an adjacent solar panelsuch that the adjacent solar panel holds the solar panel to the roof.12. The solar panel of claim 1, wherein the solar panel is sealed toprevent moisture from contacting the solar cell.
 13. A method ofmounting solar panels onto a rooftop comprising: providing a first solarpanel including: a solar laminate; and a frame supporting the solarlaminate that is configured to interface with a conventional shingle inan overlapping fashion, the frame including a tack-down strip configuredto connect the solar panel to a roof, wherein the tack-down strip isconfigured to overlap a conventional shingle on a roof; overlapping ashingle over an upper portion of the first solar panel; securing thefirst solar panel; and overlapping a second solar panel over an upperportion of the first solar panel.
 14. The method of claim 13, furthercomprising an integrated rain-rail configured to provide a conduit forrainwater and mate with a rain-rail on another solar panel providing amechanical interconnection between the panels.
 15. The method of claim13, further comprising providing a solar panel that is less than 0.65″thick.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the frame is configured to beattached to the roof using nails, screws, or foam.
 17. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the solar panel further comprising a jumper configuredto couple the solar panel to another solar panel and wherein the jumperis configured to selectively attach the solar panels to each other inone of two configurations comprising a series configuration and aparallel configuration.
 18. The method of claim 13, wherein the solarpanel comprises multiple solar cells.
 19. The method of claim 18,wherein the solar cells are configured in a lamination.
 20. The methodof claim 18, wherein the solar cells are provided in a sealed assembly.21. The method of claim 13, wherein the solar panel further comprises awind clip configured to slide under an adjacent solar panel such thatthe adjacent solar panel holds the solar panel to the roof.
 22. Abuilding comprising: a roof assembly including shingles; and a lowprofile solar panel including: a solar laminate; and a frame supportingthe solar laminate, the frame configured to interface with aconventional shingle in an overlapping fashion.
 23. The building ofclaim 22, the frame including an integrated rain-rail configured toprovide a conduit for rainwater and mate with a rain-rail on anothersolar panel providing a mechanical interconnection between the panels;and a tack-down strip configured to connect the solar panel to a rootwherein the tack-down strip is configured to overlap a shingle on aroof.
 24. The building of claim 22, further comprising multiple solarcells.
 25. The building of claim 22, wherein the solar cells areprovided in a lamination.